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Book Thief Theme

Decent Essays

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak has multiple themes throughout the novel. One theme that struck out the most with me is the power that words have upon us. Liesel, the main character of the novel, learns that words hold great power to force people to commit cruel acts. She is a young, illiterate girl and learns to read for the first time at the age of 9. As she begins to read and learn, she understands that the roots of Hitler's power comes from propaganda. Max, the jewish man hiding in their basement gives the greatest gift to liesel. He gives her words in the form of the “The Word Shaker” the story he writes for her. In his story he teaches her the great amount of force words have, indicating that hitler uses words and propaganda instead of …show more content…

She comforts her neighbors with her words and stories during air raids. Liesel ends up taking an empty book and writes the story of her life, ending with the line “I have hated the words and i have loved, and I hope I have made them right.” This line sparks liesel's realization of the manipulative power of words and pushes her to write for compassionate use and make words “right”. Although the novel does not portray the importance of words deeply, it makes it clear that words can spread ideas and suggests that power can be dangerous.The Holocaust is a war fought with words. It relies on mass communication to spread hatred across the country. Max explains to liesel in his story that hitler uses his words to conquer the world. We see that statement clearly from hitler's control of causing great suffering. The book burning liesel witnesses also raises an idea. An idea that keeps people away from certain ideas and thoughts by burning …show more content…

In the real world we struggle with the effects of words and how to use them correctly. Now of course the effects are not as deadly as it was in World War 2 but it sure does put someone in a suffering state. The words important leaders and politicians say can change someone's view or even persuade them. Not only in the political world but also in society.Words can easily force someone to do something when they're not in the right state of mind. Everyday we face hurtful and manipulative words that can either end a humans life or start a war. For an example, a few countries do not allow women to be educated. They fear they will be stronger and more superior to men. This connects to Hitler's book burning in the novel. He fears his people will read and begin to develop ideas other than his. He fears the jews will be superior to him. Liesel starts out not knowing how to read. As she begins to read and understand, she starts to realize the effect of words others have. She learns the truth about everything around her. To be able to understand something, you must look into it and learn. See a different way in the words. The book Thief focuses on using language to heal and fight against injustice. It expresses a belief to make a positive difference in the world. The novel shows us the best and worst ways words can be used with a little german words and phrases that helps us feel the friendliness that language can show.

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